Location

For more info Contact

John Raich, jraich@lamar.colostate.edu

Details

We will choose one of several possible backcountry ski tours in the Cameron Pass area, depending on snowpack and weather conditions.

The backcountry tour will involve a climb of about 3 to 4 miles with an elevation gain of about 2,400', usually on a trail with an established track. Under unpacked conditions, be prepared to break trail for a portion of the route. Ascent will be moderately paced with periodic short stops. We'll descend untracked snow in trees. If conditions warrant, we may do a second run on a portion of the terrain.

You should be prepared to ski untracked snow in variable conditions, in trees of varying density. Terrain steepness will up to about 30 degrees. You should be able to ski 'blue' runs at downhill ski areas at good speed without any difficulties and should be willing to take on 'black' runs without frequent falling. You should be prepared for an outing of about 6 hours, trailhead to trailhead.

It is important to stay with the group during ski descents. We will use the buddy system.

Bring AT, tele, or split board gear with climbing skins. A helmet is suggested. Avalanche gear (beacon, shovel, probe) and knowledge of how to use it, are required. Bring lunch including a drink. Winter gear, including wind protection, is essential.

Notes

Online self-registration is suggested for this backcountry ski tour. Please make sure that you are prepared for a backcountry ski tour of this type. Backcountry skiing has inherent risks due to terrain obstacles, falls, avalanches, getting separated from the group, and weather conditions that could result in serious injuries or death. If you have questions regarding your fit, please contact the trip leader, jraich@lamar.colostate.edu.

BACKCOUNTRY AT/TELE SKIING RATINGS

FITNESS CATEGORIESEasyYou can climb and descend a backcountry ski tour with total elevation gain of up to 1,000 feet in a half day without getting really tired. You can climb on a good skin track at a rate of 500 feet vertical elevation gain and 1 mile distance, each hour, not counting short breaks (something like 10 minutes each hour or 5 minutes each half hour), and keep this up for at least 2 hours.ModerateYou can climb and descend a backcountry ski tour with total elevation gain of up to 2,000', with short rest breaks every hour or so, in a day. you can climb on a good ski track at a rate of 750 feet vertical elevation gain and 1.5 miles distance each hour, not counting breaks and keep this up for at least 3 hours.StrenuousYou can climb and descend a backcountry ski tour with a total elevation gain of 3,000 feet or more in a day. You can climb on a good ski track at a rate of 1,000 feet vertical elevation gain and 2 miles horizontal distance in about 1.5 hours, not counting short breaks, and keep this up for half a day. You can break trail in heavy snow for short periods of time.

SKILL CATEGORIESGreenYou are able to ski proficiently on groomed beginner 'green' slopes at downhill areas. You can get down groomed 'blue' runs but 'black' runs are a survival zone. You can make solid stem turns and traverse via kick-turns off-trail on untracked snow slopes. you are able to distinguish easy terrain from more difficult terrain that a novice can't handle. You are still learning to ski untracked snow.BlueYou can ski all but the more difficult 'black' runs at ski areas with reasonable confidence. You can make turns in untracked powder on fairly open and moderate angle slopes inn the backcountry, but difficult conditions such as heavy wet snow, crusts, poor visibility, dense trees, and steep slopes can all cause problems, though you can cope with them safely at slower speed, although perhaps not elegantly.BlackYou can manage 'double black diamond' runs at ski areas. you can make linked turns through powder, heavier snow, in forested terrain, on steep slopes greater than 25 degrees. You can manage complex terrain such as gullies and couloirs. Difficult breakable crust and skiing a fresh track in poor visibility may still be a challenge although you are able to cope.Ski mountaineeringYou have considerable experience with backcountry travel planning and route finding. You have basic mountaineering training, including snow travel, ice axe use, and, if indicated by the trip leader, basic rope management skills. Other specialized gear such as ski crampons and helmet may be required on ski mountaineering tours, especially later during the season.